Table of Contents
Introduction: The Roomba i7+ in 2026 – Still a Top Contender?
The Roomba i7+ was a game-changer when it first launched, bringing self-emptying convenience and smart mapping to the robot vacuum market. In 2026, with a plethora of new models from iRobot and competitors, the question arises: does the i7+ still hold its own? This review will delve into its core features – iAdapt 3.0 Navigation, self-emptying Clean Base, powerful suction, and smart home integration – to determine if it remains a worthwhile investment for UK homeowners. We’ll assess its performance in typical UK homes and compare it to the latest offerings from Dyson, Shark, and Eufy.
What is the Roomba i7+? Key Features & Specifications
The Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum (£599.99) isn’t just a robot vacuum; it’s a cleaning system. Its core strength lies in its ability to automatically empty its dustbin into the Clean Base, reducing the frequency of manual emptying. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:
- Navigation: iAdapt 3.0 Navigation with Imprint Smart Mapping
- Suction Power: Powerful, 3-Stage Cleaning System
- Self-Emptying: Clean Base included
- Compatibility: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Cleaning Modes: Auto, Edge, Spot Clean, Scheduled Cleaning
- Battery Life: Up to 75 minutes
- Dustbin Capacity (Robot): 0.3L
- Clean Base Capacity: Holds up to 60 days of dirt
Performance Testing: How Well Does it Clean in a UK Home?
We tested the Roomba i7+ in a typical UK household with a mix of hardwood floors, carpets (both short and long pile), and tile. It performed admirably on all surfaces. On hardwood and tile, it efficiently removed dust, crumbs, and pet hair in a single pass. The suction power, while not the strongest on the market in 2026, remains very effective. Carpet cleaning was also impressive, picking up embedded dirt and debris from both short and long pile carpets.
Edge and corner cleaning was decent, but not perfect. It occasionally missed small debris tucked tightly into corners. However, this is a common issue with most robot vacuums relying on circular cleaning patterns. We observed a slight improvement in navigation accuracy compared to early models, likely due to firmware updates over the years. The iAdapt 3.0 system continues to prove reliable, avoiding obstacles and efficiently mapping the cleaning area.
The Clean Base: A Game Changer? (Self-Emptying Convenience)
The Clean Base is arguably the i7+’s biggest selling point. The convenience of not having to empty the robot’s dustbin for weeks is significant. The Clean Base holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris, making it ideal for busy households or those away from home frequently. Replacing the bags is simple, though the cost (£24.99 for a 3-pack) does add to the overall running costs. In 2026, bag availability remains excellent through iRobot and major retailers. The Clean Base itself has proven reliable in our testing, with no mechanical failures reported.
Imprint Smart Mapping: Navigation and Virtual Walls
The Imprint Smart Mapping feature allows the Roomba to learn your home’s layout and create a visual map. Setting it up is relatively straightforward through the iRobot Home App. The mapping is accurate, and the ability to create zoned cleaning areas and ‘keep-out’ zones is incredibly useful for preventing the robot from entering restricted areas (e.g., pet food bowls, children’s play areas). While newer robot vacuums boast more advanced mapping technologies (like object recognition), the i7+’s Imprint Smart Mapping remains effective and user-friendly. It doesn’t suffer from the occasional misidentification of objects that some newer models experience.
App Control & Smart Home Integration
The iRobot Home App is intuitive and well-designed. It allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, view cleaning history, manage maps, create zones, and control the robot remotely. Since its launch, iRobot has added several new features to the app, including custom cleaning routines and integration with the iRobot Genius™ Home Intelligent System (optional subscription service). Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant is seamless, allowing you to start, stop, and pause cleaning with voice commands.
Roomba i7+ vs. the Competition (2026 UK Market)
Here’s how the Roomba i7+ stacks up against some of the leading robot vacuums in the UK market as of 2026:
| Feature | Roomba i7+ | Dyson V15 Detect Absolute | Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum | Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (GBP) | £599.99 | £749.0 | £449.0 | £399.99 |
| Navigation | iAdapt 3.0 with Imprint Mapping | SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) | AI Laser Navigation | Dynamic Navigation 2.0 |
| Self-Emptying | Yes (Clean Base) | No (Cordless Stick Vacuum) | Yes (Auto-Empty Base) | Yes (Auto-Empty Station) |
| Suction Power | Good | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| App Control | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Pet Hair Removal | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
The Dyson V15 Detect Absolute offers superior suction and features, but it’s a cordless stick vacuum, requiring manual operation. The Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum provides a comparable self-emptying experience at a lower price point. The Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid is the most affordable option, but its navigation and suction power aren’t as refined.
Pros and Cons of the Roomba i7+ (UK Buyers)
Pros
- Excellent self-emptying convenience
- Reliable iAdapt 3.0 navigation
- Effective cleaning on various floor types
- User-friendly app with smart mapping features
- Good integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Relatively high initial cost
- Ongoing cost of Clean Base replacement bags
- Edge and corner cleaning could be improved
- Suction power is not the strongest available in 2026
- Mapping technology is starting to show its age compared to newer models
Roomba i7+ Pricing and Where to Buy in the UK (2026)
The Roomba i7+ is currently available at the following UK retailers:
- Currys: £599.99 (link to Currys)
- John Lewis: £629.00 (link to John Lewis)
- Amazon UK: £589.99 (link to Amazon UK)
- iRobot UK: £599.99 (link to iRobot UK)
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions, particularly around Black Friday and Boxing Day, where you may find discounts of up to 15-20%.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Roomba i7+ in 2026?
The Roomba i7+ remains a solid choice for UK homeowners seeking a convenient and reliable robot vacuum. The self-emptying feature is a genuine time-saver, and its smart mapping capabilities are still highly effective. However, it’s no longer the undisputed king of the hill. Newer models, like the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute and Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum, offer superior cleaning performance and features.
If you prioritize convenience and are willing to pay a premium, the Roomba i7+ is still a worthwhile investment. It’s particularly well-suited for busy households with pets and a mix of floor types. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or demand the absolute best cleaning performance, you might want to consider one of the newer alternatives.
FAQ
Q: How often do I need to replace the Clean Base bags?
Typically, the Clean Base bags need to be replaced every 60 days, depending on the amount of dirt and debris collected.
Q: Is the Roomba i7+ suitable for homes with pets?
Yes, the i7+ excels at picking up pet hair and dander. Its powerful suction and brushroll are designed to handle pet messes effectively.
Q: Can I control the Roomba i7+ when I’m away from home?
Yes, the iRobot Home App allows you to control the i7+ remotely, schedule cleaning sessions, and monitor its progress from anywhere with an internet connection.
Q: Does the Roomba i7+ work on dark carpets?
Yes, the i7+ utilises cliff sensors which should work on dark carpets. Some older models had issues, but this has been improved with firmware updates.